7,000 RAF personnel bound for Gulf

Britain will increase its Royal Air Force presence in the Gulf to about 100 aircraft over the coming weeks for possible action against Iraq, says Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon. The aircraft -- which include sentry planes, refueling tankers and fighter-bombers -- will be supported by around 7,000 personnel, Hoon told the House of Commons.

Similar in size to the air fleet deployed in the 1991 Gulf War, it will have greater firepower and will be able to operate in all weather.

Hoon's announcement puts in place the final element of Britain's contribution to a possible US-led military attack on Saddam Hussein's regime.

Britain is already sending 35,000 troops -- including a quarter of its army and its biggest naval task force in 20 years -- to the region, and routinely has around 25 aircraft in the region patrolling no fly zones over northern and southern Iraq.

The Ministry of Defense could not immediately say how many aircraft are deployed in the region now.

Hoon said the air fleet would include: E3D Sentry aircraft for airborne command Jaguar and Tornado reconnaissance aircraft VC10 and Tristar refueling aircraft Hercules transporters Tornado F3s and Tornado GR4s and Harrier GR7s, providing an offensive capability. In addition to the fixed wing aircraft, the RAF would provide 27 Puma and Chinook.

War was not inevitable, however, he said, adding: "It is still possible for Saddam Hussein to change his behavior, to cooperate actively with the weapons inspector and disarm by peaceful means."

He told lawmakers the RAF was making a very substantial contribution "to the building of a credible threat of force."

"Time is running out. The Iraqi regime must decide whether it will comply with its obligations or face the consequences," Hoon added.

The Royal Air Force already has eight Tornado GR4 ground attack aircraft based in Kuwait, half a dozen Tornado F3 fighters in Saudi Arabia, and four Jaguar ground attack aircraft based at Incirlik, Turkey, as well as support aircraft. Britain is the staunchest overseas supporter of U.S. President George W. Bush's tough stance on Iraq.